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During the closing decade of the 80s, I set out on a backpacking trip to Europe with a friend. Because my companion was interested in enrolling in graduate studies in the Big Apple, we had planned a 14-day stopover there en route to London.

We reached the student accommodation, a sizeable 10-storey building on the UWS called International House. Setting down our luggage, we made our way to the dining hall, where we grabbed food, found a table, and began chatting with other diners.

Beside me was an gentleman from Iraq pursuing an engineering degree at an Ivy League institution. He wanted to know what I did, and I shared that I had recently completed my studies with a science degree and had been performing experiments involving microscopic analysis.

He noted that there was an microscopy facility at Columbia University – close to the school of engineering, which was how he knew about it. He proposed that I ought to seek a role with them. I laughed it off, telling him that I was heading off to Europe and, additionally, I lacked a US visa.

The following day I ventured out, going back to the cafeteria that after dark. The man from Iraq approached me and let me know that he had organized a discussion for me with the head of the electron microscope unit at Columbia. Given that he had taken the effort, I attended the interview – but immediately explained to my prospective employer that I was without a work permit, so I was likely not a suitable candidate.

As is common in NYC – a metropolis where everything seems achievable – she responded: “We'll handle it. How soon can you begin?” I didn't board the aircraft to London.

I was employed there for 36 months. An advantage of the role was that I got no-cost classes at Columbia, and I seized the chance to earn a graduate degree in global studies.

I lost touch with him and I can't recall his full name, but his incredible act of kindness altered my destiny in multiple respects. I didn't possess the bravery or self-assurance to reach out at an elite institution and ask for a job. And, I had always wanted to pursue education overseas, but wouldn't have been able to pay for it without that free tuition.

Critically, that job in New York paved the way for a job in Zurich where I met my handsome spouse from France, with whom I currently share a family of four kids. This was a pivotal life event. That helpful person set me on a different course in life, and I’m always appreciative.

What is the Kindest Gesture a Unknown Person Has Once Performed for You?

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